Join us at Laurier

Becoming a Golden Hawk means more than just cheering on our (really good) varsity teams – it means being a student who cares about your community, who works hard in the classroom, and who takes advantage of all the learning opportunities that can happen outside the classroom, too.

Shannon Rutherford

Piano, Music Mania and Music Explorers Instructor, Beckett School at Laurier

Research / Areas of Expertise

Royal Conservatory of Music preparation

music technology

pedagogy

Biography / Academic Background

I am a pianist, piano and theory instructor and adjudicator. I have worked with a wide variety of students, ranging from age four to 64, from beginners to advanced, who represent a large variety of abilities and interests. I currently teach at Beckett School at Laurier where I have maintained a full studio.

I understand that each child is unique, and I try to make each lesson suit the student's learning style. Lessons incorporate a range of musical styles, genres, theory, games and technology. Many of my students have gone on to complete Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) exams with excellent results in both piano and theory. I also encourage students to perform in the Kitchener-Waterloo Kiwanis Music Festival and the studio recitals that I host twice a year.

I hold an Honours Bachelor of Music (BMus) from Laurier, where I studied with Elaine Lau. I also completed my grade 10 piano and theory requirements from the RCM, and am a registered teacher with the RCM.

Anecdotal Thoughts on Teaching

My primary concern is to foster a love an appreciation of all music, and I truly believe that music education is a key component in a child's well-rounded education.